Improving Transitions: When it’s Time to Change, You’ve Got to Rearrange

We borrowed the first part of our title from an episode of the classic 70’s show, the Brady Bunch, because adjusting to change forces you to rearrange. Children face a variety of transitions in their day-to-day activities and lives in general. They can, however, be particularly challenging and frustrating for children with special needs because of difficulties with communication.

You can use these steps and questions to guide you in a problem solving process that may make transitions easier:

1. Gather as much information as possible about the upcoming change

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Setting: what materials will available and how does the place look?

Schedule: What activities and routines occur and how long do they take?

People: Who will be there? How will they interact with your child?

2. Create adjustments that could be made to ease the change

Control: What will your child be able to choose or control?

Familiarity: Can you bring familiar items or activities to the new setting?